Resumo Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o efeito da Aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) na digestibilidade dos nutrientes e no perfil hematológico de equinos. O ensaio durou 40 dias, sendo 12 dias para adaptação e 28 dias para experimentação. No período experimental, os cavalos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos, com quatro animais cada. Os tratamentos utilizados foram 0 µg/kg (controle), 50 µg/kg e 100 µg/kg de AFB1 adicionados ao concentrado da dieta basal. A dieta basal continha alimentos naturalmente contaminados com micotoxinas. Um ensaio de digestibilidade foi realizado no final do período experimental, pelo método de coleta parcial de fezes utilizando o LIPE® como indicador. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas uma vez por semana, durante o ensaio para avaliações hematológicas e bioquímicas. Os resultados dos parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e do ensaio de digestibilidade foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e comparados pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. As aflatoxinas da dieta aumentaram a contagem de leucócitos, principalmente os neutrófilos maduros. A creatina quinase e a fosfatase alcalina (P<0,05) apresentaram maior atividade nos equinos alimentados com dietas com maior toxicidade. A digestibilidade dos nutrientes não foi alterada pelos níveis de micotoxinas presentes nas dietas (P>0,05).

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the digestibility of nutrients and the hematological profile of horses. The assay lasted 40 days, with 12 days for adaptation and 28 days for experimentation. In the experimental stage, the horses were distributed in a completely randomized design, including three treatment groups with four animals in each group. The treatments used included 0 µg/kg (control), 50 µg/kg, and 100 µg/kg of AFB1 added to a concentrate in the basal diet. The basal diet contained mycotoxins from naturally contaminated feed. A digestibility essay was carried out at the end of the experimental period through partial feces collection, with LIPE® as an indicator. Blood samples were collected once a week during the assay for hematological and biochemical evaluations. The results of the hematological and biochemical parameters were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and compared by the Tukey test at 5% significance. The aflatoxins in the diet increased the leukocyte count, especially that of mature neutrophils. Creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05) activities were higher in horses fed more toxic diets. The digestibility of nutrients was unaffected by the level of mycotoxins in the diet (P > 0.05).

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the influence of coastcross hay substrate hydration and equine fecal inoculum dilution on the parameters of fermentation and microbiology in in vitro essays. A 2 × 2 factorial block design was used. The first factor was hydration of the coastcross hay substrate 12 h before incubation or at the time of incubation, and the second factor was the dilution of fecal inoculum with a nutrient solution in a weight: weight ratio of 1:1 or 1:3. Degradation of the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h. Microorganisms were counted 24 h after inoculation. The ammoniacal nitrogen concentration (NH3-N), pH, and cumulative gas production were measured up to 72 h and adjusted by the non-linear Gompertz regression model. Hydration of substrate and time of incubation increased nutrient degradation of coastcross hay, as well as the final volume of gases and the concentration of Streptococcus spp. The 1:3 dilution increased the final pH and Streptococcus spp. concentration. The hydration of substrate did not have any effect on NH3-N, Lactobacillus spp., cellulolytic, and total anaerobic bacteria concentrations. In addition, no effect of hydration was observed on the fermentation rate and the maximum fermentation time on the model used. The fermentation profile of the grass substrate is not affected by dilution, and, therefore, horse feces can be used as a source of inoculum in in vitro fermentation trials. Hydration increases the gas volumes and the nutrient degradation of grass hay, renders the lag phase time insignificant and, therefore, can be irrelevant in terms of fermentation model settings.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation on the development of Mangalarga Marchador suckling foals. Sixteen Mangalarga Marchador foals, from birth to 75 days of age, were evaluated in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (experimental group and control group) with eight repetitions (animals). The foals were evaluated through body weight, morphometric, and circumferential measures. The daily, weekly, and cumulative weight gains were recorded and the morphometric measures were: withers height, croup height, body length, mid-back height, mid-back width, and thorax, shin, knee, and forearm circumferences. The mean body weight was 32.3 and 77.9 kg at birth and 75 days of age, respectively. The mean withers height was 86 and 103.8 cm at birth and 75 days of age, respectively, and the mean body length was 63.9 cm at birth, reaching 89.1 cm at 75 days of age. No significant differences in the FOS supplementation or interaction of age versus supplementation between the experimental and control groups were observed for any of the parameters evaluated. However, there were significant differences between the ages. Supplementation with prebiotic FOS does not affect the development of the Mangalarga Marchador suckling foals from birth to 75 days of age.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to provide baseline data for the serum biochemical parameters of Brazilian sport horses undergoing physical training for eventing to be used as a practical guide. A total of 139 blood samples were collected by vacuum venipuncture of the jugular vein from healthy horses in training. Tubes without anticoagulant were used for biochemical analysis. Means and standard deviations were determined for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (306.27±84.66 U/L), creatine kinase (CK) (181.06±80.38 U/L), urea (29.51±5.82 mg/dL), creatinine (1.44±0.20 mg/dL), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) (14.58±6.55 U/L), calcium (13.22±0.59 mg/dL), and albumin (2.86±0.16 g/dL). The specific reference ranges were: AST, 197-454 U/L; CK, 116-290 U/L; urea, 22-42 mg/dL; creatinine, 1.2-1.8 mg/dL; GGT, 9-26 U/L; calcium, 12.2-14.2 mg/dL; and albumin, 2.6-3.1 g/dL. Beneficial effects of the training program on the horses were observed and these effects did not lead to any changes in the biochemical parameters studied. The environment may influence the serum biochemical parameters, particularly AST and CK, of Brazilian sport horses.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate, in a practical manner, the use of linear and angular measurements and different animal-performance indices in a study on the breed-specific conformation of Brazilian Sport Horses training for eventing. These data can form the basis for the development of future studies based on the parameters evaluated and the calculations made. Seventeen Brazilian Sport Horses training for eventing were selected. Morphometric evaluations were made of all animals using linear and angular measurements. The linear measurements were withers, croup, and barrel heights; body, croup, shoulder, neck, and head lengths; head, chest, and hip widths; distance from the elbow to the ground and from the sternum to the ground (empty substernal); and thorax, forearm, knee, fetlock, and fore cannon girths. The angular measurements were shoulder-ground, shoulder-humerus, humerus-radius, metacarpus-phalanx, coxae-ground, coxae-femur, femur-tibia, and tibia-metatarsus angles. Thirteen animal-performance indices were calculated to have a better understanding of the conformation of the animals and their proportions: the relationship between the withers and croup heights, chest index, dactyl-thoracic index, estimated weight, body index, thoracic index, conformation index, load index 1, load index 2, relative body index, compactness index 1, compactness index 2, and meloscopic index. Brazilian Sport Horses in eventing training were within the expected conformation for an athletic horse, but the animal-performance indices differed among them because they are heterogeneous horses resulting from crossing among various different breeds. The use of linear and angular measurements allows the correct characterization of racial forms of Brazilian Sport Horses undergoing training for eventing. Animal-performance indices can be useful in a study of a breed-specific conformation of athletic horses.

ResumoO objetivo com este estudo foi observar as similaridades e asimetrias existentes na criação de cavalos no sul do Brasil e Argentina, a partir de análise dos aspectos produtivos, comerciais e da saúde dos equinos. A metodologia utilizada compreendeu levantamento de dados, através de aplicação de questionário a campo (fontes primárias) e pesquisas bibliográficas (fontes secundárias). A amostragem abrangeu criadores de equinos do Rio Grande do Sul e Argentina. O questionário foi elaborado baseado no Estudo do Complexo do Agronegócio Cavalo no Brasil, dividido em: Aspectos de Proodução, Sanitários e Comerciais. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados e as frequências relativas foram comparadas pelo teste Qui-quadrado (P<0,05). Observou-se similaridades nos aspectos relacionados à criação e comercialização, mas assimetria relacionada à saúde dos equinos. No sul do Brasil 29,0% dos proprietários vivem da criação de cavalos, enquanto 67,7% exercem outras atividades remuneradas. Observou-se similaridade no controle de endoparasitas e assimetria em relação à ectoparasitas. A alta percentagem de controle de doenças observada na Argentina pode estar relacionada à tecnificação e a mão de obra treinada. Contudo, observou-se similaridade entre as fazendas do sul do Brasil e Argentina em relação ao controle sanitário dos rebanhos de equinos. A respeito das diversas assimetrias e semelhanças observadas, destaca-se a importância do agronegócio cavalo na produção de emprego e renda, bem como a contribuição econômica e cultural para ambos os países. Além disso, há necessidade de políticas públicas para a promoção da indústria do cavalo.

AbstractThis study was carried out in order to verify the asymmetries and similarities in horse breeding in the Brazilian South region and Argentina, analyzing the productive, health and trade aspects. Data collection were performed with questionnaires in fieldwork (primary sources) and bibliographic searches and surveys (secondary sources). The sample consisted of horses breeders in Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul State, and in Argentina. The questionnaire was based on the Brazilian Study of Horse Agribusiness Complex, divided into: Production Aspects, Health Issues and trade aspects. Descriptive data analysis and relative frequencies were compared using the chi-square (χ2) test at 5% probability. It was observed that there was a similarity in several aspects related to the breeding and trade horse agribusiness, whereas in the health aspects there was asymmetry in certain aspects. In the Southern Brazil, 29.0% of the owners live in the breeding farm and 67.7% have another remunerated activity. There was a similarity in the endoparasites system control and an asymmetry in the ectoparasites control. There was a higher percentage of diseases control in Argentina, which may be related to technification and qualification of workforce. However, regarding the equine sanitary control, there was a similarity between the farms of Southern Brazil and Argentina. Despite of all asymmetries and similarities, there is a relevance of horse agribusiness on generating jobs and income source, as well as the cultural and economic contribution in both countries. Furthermore, there is a necessity of public policies from government authority to promote the horse industry.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the performance of Mangalarga Marchador equines and to verify the effectiveness of the aerobic training protocol adopted. The study used 14 Mangalarga Marchador mares in a completely randomized split-plot design. The plots were made up of two treatments (groups Probiotic and Control) and the split plots comprised two maximal-effort physical tests applied both before and after the six weeks of training. The animals' spirometric parameters, heart rate, and plasma lactate levels were assessed. No difference was found between the Probiotic and Control groups in any of the parameters assessed. A difference was found in the physical tests for time-to-fatigue, aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, speed at which plasma lactate levels reached 2 and 4 mmol/L, speed at which the heart rate reached 200 bpm, and the lactate level at 30 min of the recovery period. Supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae has no effect on physical conditioning of Mangalarga Marchador mares and the aerobic training protocol adopted increases the animals' aerobic and anaerobic capacity.

Este trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar a cinética de passagem da digesta, as características físico-químicas e o tamanho da partícula da digesta do cólon ventral direito (CVD) de equinos alimentados com feno de coastcross com diferentes tamanhos de partículas. Utilizaram-se quatro equinos fistulados CVD alimentados exclusivamente com feno de coastcross: inteiro; feno picado, moído (5 mm) e moído (3 mm). Utilizou-se o delineamento em quadrado latino 4x4. Cada período experimental teve 10 dias de adaptação às dietas, quatro dias de coleta de fezes e um dia de coleta do conteúdo do cólon. A cinética de passagem da fase sólida e líquida da digesta no trato digestório foi estimada através do tempo médio de retenção (TMR), da taxa de passagem (k) e do tempo de trânsito (TT) utilizando os indicadores: Cr-FDN e Co-EDTA. O TT da fase sólida da digesta foi maior em 3 horas (P<0,05) nos equinos alimentados com o feno moído, em relação às outras formas do feno. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) no TMR e k tanto da fase líquida quanto na sólida da digesta em função das diferentes formas físicas do feno. No entanto, houve maior velocidade de passagem da fase líquida de 3,28 h-1, comparada à fase sólida, de 2,73 h-1, em todas as dietas. Quando se forneceu feno moído a 3 mm foram observados o menor tamanho de partícula e o menor teor da fibra em detergente neutro na digesta do cólon, com valores de 0,51 mm e 53,5%, respectivamente. A moagem do feno aumentou o tempo de trânsito da fase líquida no trato digestório dos equinos, sem interferir na cinética da fase sólida da digesta. A moagem do feno reduziu os teores de FDN e o tamanho médio das partículas no CVD.

This study was conducted to evaluate the kinetics, physicochemical characteristics and particle size of digesta in the right ventral colon (RVC) of horses fed coastcross hay ground to different degrees. Four horses fitted with cannulae in the RVC were used and were fed the following forms of hay: long, chopped, ground to 5 mm and ground to 3 mm. A Latin Square 4x4 study design was used. Each experimental period included 10 days for diet adaptation, four days for feces collection and one day for digesta collection. The kinetics of the particulate and solute phases of digesta were evaluated based on the mean retention time (MRT), passage rate (k) and transit time (TT) using two external markers: Cr-NDF and Co-EDTA. The TT of solid phase digesta was 3 hours longer (P<0.05) for ground hay than with the other physical forms of hay. There was no difference (P>0.05) in k or MRT in either the liquid or solid phase of digesta as a function of the different degrees of hay grinding. However, the liquid phase of digesta presented a higher k than the solid phase, with values of 3.28 and 2.73 h-1 being obtained, respectively. The smallest particle size and the lowest neutral detergent fiber contents in colon digesta were observed when hay ground to 3 mm was offered, leading to values of 0.51 mm and 53.46%, respectively. Grinding the hay increased the transit time of the liquid phase in the digestive tract of the horses, whereas no change in the kinetics of the solid phase digesta was observed. The grinding of hay reduced the NDF and the average particle size in the right ventral colon.

A raça Mangalarga Marchador (MM), valorizada por apresentar como andamento a marcha, vem se destacando nas atividades funcionais, como as provas de marcha. Considerando a escassez de informações sobre a fisiologia esportiva dos equinos marchadores, a elaboração de protocolos de treinamento e de testes físicos torna-se fundamental e, nesse contexto, as concentrações dos gases e eletrólitos sanguíneos constituem informações adicionais para o monitoramento das alterações metabólicas induzidas pelo exercício. Objetivou-se avaliar as respostas hemogasométricas e a concentração sanguínea de eletrólitos de éguas MM, durante teste de esforço máximo em esteira, realizado antes e após o treinamento - ensaio 1 e entre um teste de esforço máximo em esteira e um teste de intensidade crescente a campo - ensaio 2. Foram avaliadas a concentração plasmática de lactato, o pH sanguíneo, as pressões sanguíneas de oxigênio e de dióxido de carbono, as concentrações sanguíneas dos íons bicarbonato, sódio (Na+), potássio (K+) e cálcio (Ca++). O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. No primeiro ensaio, as distâncias percorridas pelos equinos nos testes antes e após o treinamento resultaram em redução (p<0,05) do pH sanguíneo e na concentração de Ca++ e aumento (p<0,05) nas concentrações de K+ e Na+. No segundo ensaio, a influência do tipo de teste realizado e a temperatura ambiental resultaram em redução (p<0,05) do pH sanguíneo e aumento (p>0,05) nas concentrações de K+ e Ca++. Após o treinamento, éguas MM apresentam alterações mais intensas do pH e das concentrações dos eletrólitos.

The Mangalarga Marchador (MM) breed, valued for its marcha pace, has been excelling in functional activities such as marcha course. Considering the lack of information about sports physiology of the marcha horses, the development of training protocols and physical testing becomes essential and, in this context, the concentrations of blood gases and electrolytes provide additional information for the monitoring of metabolic changes induced by exercise. The goal of the study was to assess the hemogasometric responses and blood electrolyte concentration in MM mares during maximal effort treadmill tests carried out before and after training (trial 1) and between a maximal effort treadmill test and an incremental field test (trial 2). The trials assessed plasma lactate concentration, blood pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide blood pressures, and blood concentrations of the ions bicarbonate, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca++). The study followed a randomized block in a split-plot design. In the first trial, the distances walked by the equines in the tests before and after training caused decrease (p<0.05) in pH and Ca++ concentration and increase in the concentrations of K+ and Na+. In the second trial, the influence of the type of test and the ambient temperature caused decrease (p<0.05) in pH and increase in the concentrations of K+ and Ca++. After training, MM mares had greater changes in pH and electrolyte concentrations.

Objetivou-se avaliar a atividade sérica das enzimas creatina quinase (CK) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST), enzimas de extravazamento responsivas à lesão muscular, de equinos de salto submetidos à biópsia muscular e a um teste de exercício padronizado, envolvendo saltos incrementais. Foram utilizados três grupos de animais, um com histórico de desempenho superior (SP), um com histórico inferior (IP) e um grupo controle (CG). Todos os grupos foram submetidos à biópsia muscular no gluteus medius e somente os grupos SP e IP ao teste de saltos incrementais (IJT), 24h após a biópsia. O IJT foi constituído de três estágios de alturas progressivas, com 40 saltos cada, nas alturas de 40, 60 e 80cm. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes da biópsia, 6h e 24h após o exercício. Os níveis de atividade sérica da CK elevaram-se 6h e diminuíram 24h após o exercício em todos os grupos, inclusive no CG. A atividade da AST não demonstrou aumento após a realização da biópsia e do exercício. Não foi visto aumento da atividade de ambas enzimas mensuradas que pudesse ser atribuído ao exercício, possivelmente pela baixa duração e/ou intensidade do mesmo. Conclui-se que a biópsia muscular caracterizou estímulo suficiente para haver extravasamento somente da enzima muscular CK para o plasma, e consequente detecção de aumento de sua atividade sérica, enquanto o teste de exercício padronizado realizado não.

The objective was to evaluate serum activity of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are leakage enzymes responsive to muscle injury, of athletic horses that underwent muscle biopsy and incremental jump test (IJT) involving incremental jumps. The animals were grouped as follows: the first group, horses with history of superior performance (SP); the second, with a history of inferior performance (IP); and lastly, a control group (CG). All groups underwent biopsy of the gluteus medius muscle, while groups SP and IP were also submitted to the incremental jump test (IJT) 24 hours after biopsy. The IJT consisted of three stages with 40 jumps each, where jump height increased progressively, from 40 to 60 and last, 80cm. Blood samples were drawn before biopsy, and 6 and 24 hours after the exercise as well. The levels of CK serum activity increased 6 hours after exercise and decreased 24 hours later in all groups, including CG. AST activity did not increase after biopsy and exercise. There was no increase of both enzyme activities that could be attributed to the exercise, possibly due to exercise short duration and/or low intensity. We conclude that the muscle biopsy was able to show that there was enough stimulus to cause CK enzyme leakage into the plasma, and consequent detection of increased serum activity, while the incremental jump test did not.

Objetivou-se avaliar a morfologia de potros da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo, utilizando análise de imagens digitais e medidas de perímetros corporais para estimativa de índices corporais dos animais. As mensurações lineares e angulares foram obtidas utilizando imagens digitais dos potros com câmera acionada pelo aplicativo Simi Reality Motion Systems®. As medidas foram baseadas em pontos anatômicos realçados com 19 marcadores reflexivos. A análise estatística descritiva dos resultados foi realizada utilizando o programa SAS. Os potros estavam em crescimento, com aumento das medidas lineares de altura na cernelha e na garupa, comprimento do corpo, distância escápulo-metacarpofalângica e nos comprimentos do pescoço, da perna e do antebraço. Os ângulos úmero-radial, metacarpo-falângico, fêmoro-tibial, tíbio-metatarsico aumentaram com a idade, enquanto que os ângulos da cabeça, do pescoço, coxo-femoral, metatarso-falângico, escápulo-solo e coxo-solo foram variáveis entre os momentos de avaliação. Os potros foram classificados em mediolíneos e hipermétricos pelos índices Corporal e Dáctilo-torácico, respectivamente. A avaliação do crescimento dos potros foi possível através da imagem digital.

This research aimed to evaluate the morphology of Brasileiro de Hipismo foals using digital image analysis and girth measurements to estimate body indexes of animals. The linear and angular measurements were obtained by digital images of the foals with camera triggered by Simi Reality Motion Systems®. The measures were based on anatomical landmarks highlighted with 19 reflective markers. A descriptive statistical analysis of the results was performed using the SAS program. The foals were growing, with increased linear measurements of height at withers and croup, body length, distance from shoulder-fetlock and neck length, leg length and forearm length. The angles humerus-radial, metacarpal-falangeano, femoro-tibial, tibio-metatarsal increased with age, whiles the angles of the head, neck, coxofemoral, metatarsal-falangeano, shoulder-floor and coxae-floor were variable among the periods. The foals were classified as medium shape and hypermetric by Corporal Index, Dactilo-thoracic Index, respectively. Assessment of growth of the foals was possible through a digital image.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient digestibility of roughages in horses with total feces collection and mobile bags. Two trials were carried out simultaneously. The first trial evaluated the digestibility of nutrients of coastcross hay (Cynodon dactylon cv. coastcross) with total feces collection. The second trial assessed the digestibility of nutrients of alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa), peanut (Arachis pintoi) and coastcross hay with mobile bags. This trial was conducted with gastric insertions of nylon bags every 12 hours, and each bag contained 663 mg of feed samples in a proportion of 17 mg DM/cm². Feces and bags were collected directly from the stall floor immediately after excretion. There was no difference between the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, carbohydrates and hydrolysable carbohydrates of coastcross hay estimated with feces collection and mobile bags. Forage peanut showed high nutrients digestibility, with values close to those observed with alfalfa, indicating potential for use in diets for horses.

Amostras de soro de 714 equídeos das microrregiões de Itaguaí e Serrana, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, foram submetidas ao teste de imunofluorescência indireta (título 1:80) para Theileria equi. A prevalência entre as microrregiões e os fatores associados à soropositividade foram avaliados e a razão de prevalência (RP) calculada. A prevalência geral para T. equi foi de 81,09% (n = 579), com maior prevalência (p < 0,05) para microrregião de Itaguaí (85,43%), quando comparado a Serrana (76,92%). A região, altitude, nível da propriedade e origem dos equídeos foram associados (p < 0,05) com a soropositividade para T. equi. Equídeos criados na microrregião de Itaguaí (RP = 1,11; p = 0,003) e em altitudes abaixo de 500 m (RP = 1.10; p = 0,014) apresentaram maior chance de se tornarem soropositivos para T. equi. Além disso, quando são criados em propriedades de nível ruim (RP = 1,13; p = 0,018) e nascidos na propriedade (RP = 1,10; p = 0,008) apresentaram mais chance de terem contato com T. equi. As principais espécies de carrapatos encontradas parasitando os equídeos foram Amblyomma cajennense e Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. As microrregiões estudadas são endêmicas para theileriose equina e de estabilidade enzoótica para T. equi. Apenas os fatores relacionados à área de coleta das amostras de soro influenciaram a soropositividade dos equídeos para T. equi naquela região.

Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09% (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43%) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92%). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.

No Brasil, como nos demais países, os investimentos em pesquisa com equinos estão relacionados às perspectivas dos segmentos da indústria equina no país. Este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de revisar a literatura corrente com a perspectiva de avaliar o recente desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico na produção de equídeos. As pesquisas estão relacionadas às diversas áreas da equideocultura, como produção e manejo, genética e melhoramento, nutrição e alimentação, reprodução, medicina e cirurgia, doenças, sanidade e defesa sanitária. Há ainda pesquisas em áreas relacionadas ao hipismo, envolvendo fisiologia esportiva, equitação e treinamento de equinos e também, além de estudos sobre o comércio nacional e internacional de equinos. Considerando todas as áreas da equideocultura, o maior número de artigos publicados está relacionado às áreas da medicina e cirurgia e doenças e sanidade. Na área da Zootecnia, predominam as publicações de artigos associados à nutrição e alimentação dos equinos. No entanto, deve-se considerar que os interesses do agronegócio do cavalo, das associações de criadores, dos governos e da sociedade em geral influenciam as pesquisas e, consequentemente, as publicações dos artigos e trabalhos técnicos sobre equídeos.

In Brazil, as in other countries, investments in research with horses are related to the objectives of the equine industry in the country. This study aimed to review the current literature with the purpose of assessing the latest scientific and technological development in horse's production. Researchers are related to many areas as in production and management, genetics and breeding, nutrition and feeding, reproduction, medicine and surgery, diseases and health protection. There is still research in areas related to equestrian sports, involving equine exercise physiology, riding and training horses and also studies on national and international equine trade. Considering all areas of interest of horse production the largest number of published articles is related to the medicine and surgery and diseases and health. In Animal Science, the largest number of articles is related to nutrition and feeding of horses. However, must be consider that interests of agribusiness, horse's breeders associations, governments and society in general, influence the research and consequently the publication of papers about horses.

Objetivou-se avaliar a degradação da matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e proteína bruta de alimentos volumosos pela técnica da digestão cecal in situ em equinos. Avaliaram-se as forrageiras: feno de alfafa (Medicago sativa), amendoim forrageiro (Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo), desmódio (Desmodium ovalifolium), estilosantes (Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Mineirão), guandu (Cajanus cajan), macrotiloma (Macrotyloma axillare) e feno de coastcross (Cynodon dactylon cv. coastcross). O ensaio teve duração de 35 dias e foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com sete alimentos e três repetições. Utilizou-se uma égua fistulada no ceco, alimentada com dieta composta por feno de coastcross (80%) e concentrado (20%), fornecida quatro vezes ao dia em quantidade equivalente a 2% do peso vivo. No ceco, foram inseridos 3 a 4 sacos de náilon de porosidade 45 μ de 6,5 × 20 cm, contendo 5,2 g de MS/saco, nos tempos de 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Os parâmetros de degradação da MS de todos os volumosos foram significativos. Não houve ajuste no modelo de degradação da PB e FDN do guandu. O amendoim, estilosantes e macrotiloma apresentaram maior fração potencialmente degradável da MS, com valores de 53, 46,5 e 40%, respectivamente, e os maiores valores da fração solúvel de 20, 21, 28,6%, além de elevadas taxas de degradação (10,36, 20,26 e 14,8%h-1). Nestes alimentos, também foram observadas as maiores taxas de degradação da FDN (9,1 e 11,3, 11,2%h-1), das frações potencialmente degradáveis (55, 51,8 e 47,2%) e as mais altas taxas de degradação da PB em 48 horas de incubação (87, 95, 94,8%, respectivamente). O amendoim forrageiro, o estilosantes e o macrotiloma apresentam potencial de uso nas dietas para equinos.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the in situ degradation of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP) in roughages by the in situ caecal digestion technique in horses. The roughages evaluated were: Lucerne hay (Medicago sativa), peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo), desmodio(Desmodium ovalifolium), stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Mineirão), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), lime-yellow pea (Macrotyloma axillare) and coastcross hay (Cynodon dactylon cv. coastcross). The assay was conducted in a complete randomized design with seven roughages and three replications. One mare with a cannula fitted in the caecum was used, fed diet consisting of coastcross hay (80%) and concentrate (20%) at 2.0% BW, four times a day. Nylon 6.5 × 20 cm bags were used with 45 μ/pore, containing 5.2 g DM/bag, inserting 3 or 4 bags in the caecum at the times of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours incubation. The caecum in situ degradability parameters of nutrients were obtained by Ørskov model. The DM degradability parameters of all the roughages were significant. There was no fit to the model for pigeon pea for CP and NDF and desmodio. Peanut, stylo and lime-yellow pea presented larger potentially degradable DM with values of 53, 46.5 and 40%, respectively, and higher values for the soluble fraction of 20, 21, 28.6%, with high degradability rates of 10.36, 20.26 and 14.8% h-1. Higher NDF degradation rates were observed in these foodstuffs with values of 9.1 and 11.3, 11.2% h-1, high potentially degradable fraction with values of 55, 51.8 and 47.2%, and greater CP degradation at 48 hours with values of 87, 95, and 94.8%. Peanut, stylo and lime-yellow pea presented potential for use in horses diets.